One of the guards was shot four times, including once in the chest. He was taken to a trauma centre where he remained in critical condition, EMS said.

“Forensic officers have located projectiles across the streets, on the street and in poles,” Toronto police Det. Sgt. Mike Earl said, “There were numerous shots fired in this incident that lasted approximately less than a minute.”

A second guard had stayed locked in the truck as gunfire erupted, police said. The thieves were unable to get any money.

The bandits fled on foot, but police said three suspects were arrested. Jaden Beckford, Nicholas Cross and Rashid Clarke, all 18 years old, were charged with attempted murder and are expected to appear in court later Thursday.

They also believed to be involved in a June attempted heist in which the same two guards were on duty, police said.